Gluten-free and SCD

Meyer Lemon Curd (SCD & GFCF)

A lemon without its tart edge, subdued by a tangerine sweetness: that is a Meyer lemon. Sometimes, the orangey sweetness is so strong that it’s more like a lemon trying to pose as an orange, ha! Slightly smaller than regular lemons, with a thinner rind, and are a warm yellow that’s pleasing to the eye. In fact, I can’t help but see that warm yellow of Meyer lemons without feeling a twinge of happiness. Before I tried them, I just didn’t understand its significance or how it’s not just any old lemon with a name slapped on it to sound fancy or exotic (despite its origins in China). It’s difficult to describe Meyer lemons to those who have not tried Meyer lemons or eaten something made with them – let alone make them understand how they’re different from regular lemons (like me, until recently) – I’m not the only one who wishes that the Internet had some form of scratch ‘n’ sniff.

I was going to make this, if you remember, when I guest posted on Amy’s blog, but the Meyer lemons sold out before I could get any. However, it was only a day later after my guest post (!) that I saw them again, in netted bags. I got one bag and, about two weeks later, made this lemon curd from Martha Stewart. Most of the photos in this entry were taken on the days that I made the Meyer lemon curd, but I only did photography for the star photos (that generally show off the recipe) today, with very minimal planning ahead of time in terms of how I’d like to present it, etc. It was mostly spur-of-the-moment improvisation and I think they’re a little arty.

Through some miraculous feat of physics, I took this photo of me zesting a Meyer lemon by putting the camera on auto-timer and holding it between my chin and chest.

This Meyer lemon curd is absolutely the best lemon curd I’ve ever tasted. I’ve made and eaten regular lemon curd, but, oh man, this one just tops it. There is no other. It’s smooth, it’s creamy unlike other lemon curd I’ve had and without the tartness. In fact, it is not overly lemony at all; because it’s made with Meyer lemons, it is a definitely unique flavour that can’t be fully described. It has to be tasted. The consistency is similar to custard and it’s a buttery yellow in colour. I could wax lyrical over these lemons (to the point of getting my own tree) and this curd.

Although lemon curd isn’t usually eaten on its own – it’s not supposed to be, anyway – this one can be easily eaten by the spoonfuls, if you don’t have enough self-restraint to save some for other baking endeavours.

Full recipe makes about 1 to 1 1/2 cups; half a recipe makes about 1/2 cup, depending on how it’s made (Martha or Pierre Herme’s technique, with or without egg yolks)

After a bit of Googling around, it seems that Martha’s recipe is lifted from a Pierre Herme recipe for something called “lemon cream”, which is described as being like lemon curd, but butter (in our case, coconut oil) is added in the end for a creamier and smoother result. There are little differences except that Pierre Herme’s recipe doesn’t use additional egg yolks or lemon zest and there is more butter used than Martha’s, but both of them use the same amount of lemon juice.

If you leave out the coconut oil at the end, it won’t be as creamy and there will be a more pronounced lemony flavour – but, since made with Meyer lemon juice, lacks the tang or pucker. It’s almost a conditional thing, it seems, because when I was tasting it I was half-expecting that familiar tang but of course it wasn’t there.

Whisk the eggs and egg yolks, if using, together in a saucepan. Add the honey, Meyer lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened enough that it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in the coconut oil, one tablespoon at a time, until fully mixed.

Strain the lemon curd into a clean bowl through a fine sieve (if you don’t have a sieve, find something else to improvise; I used a stainless steel food cover) and use a spatula, preferably flexible, to get out as much curd as possible. Throw away any undissolved bits of gelatin or egg. Cover and refrigerate, until ready to use. Enjoy!

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7 thoughts on “Meyer Lemon Curd (SCD & GFCF)”

I have been sooooo curious to try these since you first mentioned them! It is interesting that it doesn’t have the tang since that is what makes lemons great for baking. I can’t wait to try this and see the difference for myself. On a side note, that is paparazzi photography! :) Holding the camera without hands….ten points for effort :)

Yup, LCD tried taking the photograph but the angles/focus wasn’t cutting the deal. They were good, they just weren’t what I was aiming for. Then I put the task into my own hands, so to speak, and look what came out, albeit after several efforts and botched attempts. The amazing things you can do when you’re forced to work without a tripod.

Z, I’ve been hearing Amy (of SSGF) and Lauren (of Celiac Teen) talk about your blog, but this is the first time I stopped by. I’m so impressed! You have so many delicious looking recipes! And I’ve never had meyer lemons, but I want to try them now!